The LHN just doesn't make much sense from a subscriber's point of view . The appeal is really about UT football.
If it had been named the LFN (Longhorn Football Network) it might have more appeal to major carriers and viewers. But the football season lasts only about a quarter of the year (for UT the past couple of years, anyway). So, how do you fill the other 9 months of programming ? Maybe, with a little basketball and baseball, but I'm guessing there will be lots of boring fillers such as interviews with a volleyball coach, or maybe a swimmer talking about making the Olympics. Also, aside from the money aspect, the LHN has to be something of a downer for the team . It deprives them of regional TV exposure for the first two games. It prevents much of the UT fan base from seeing the games. It deprives the player's friends and families from watching the games on TV. And, there are two less games that potential recruits get to see UT football.